Public Defender and Prosecutor Allegedly Brawl in Courthouse

June 4, 2010

A Cook County public defender is being charged with attacking a prosecutor and resisting arrest. The incident allegedly took place at the Cook County criminal court building.

The Cook County Sheriff's Department says public defender Henry Hams is being charged with one count of felony aggravated battery in a public space, and one count of resisting arrest.

He allegedly got into an argument with a prosecutor that began in a courtroom and escalated in the hallway.

The Sherriff's office says by the time deputies tried to break up the fight, Hams was on top of the prosecutor, choking him with both hands. But Hams' attorney, Richard Kling, says there are two sides to every story. He says his client will “absolutely” plead not-guilty.

Hams is expected to appear before a judge for a bond hearing later this morning.